Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s Stance on Activism at Ashoka University

Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s Stance on Activism

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, a co-founder of Ashoka University and the founder of Info Edge (which runs Naukri.com, 99acres.com, and others), recently made headlines for his strong comments on a controversy at Ashoka University. His remarks, shared via an email to a former student and circulated on an internal mailing list, have sparked widespread discussion, particularly on platforms like X. The controversy centers around the arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad over a social media post related to Operation Sindoor and comments about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and lynchings. Below is a simplified explanation of his position and why it’s trending today, June 6, 2025.

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What Did Sanjeev Bikhchandani Say?

In his email, Bikhchandani criticized the idea that activism is a core part of a university’s role, saying, “Activism and university are not joined at the hip.” Here are the key points he made:

1. Activism vs. Academic Scholarship:

• He argued that universities like Ashoka should focus on academic work (research and teaching), not political activism.
• He stated that a professor’s political opinions shared on social media do not count as academic scholarship and that faculty members must face the consequences of their public statements.
• He believes such actions do not fall under academic freedom, which is about protecting scholarly work, not social media posts.

1. Frustration with Controversies:

• Bikhchandani expressed frustration with ongoing issues at Ashoka University, calling it “too much of a headache.”
• He revealed that he and other trustees, Pramath Raj Sinha and Ashish Dhawan, have considered resigning from their roles due to repeated controversies.

1. Defending University Donors:

• He defended people who fund the university, rejecting claims that they are “dirty capitalists.”
• He emphasized that Ashoka University is committed to academic integrity and should not be a platform for political activism.

Why Is This Trending Today?

Bikhchandani’s comments have caused a big debate online, especially on X, because they touch on sensitive topics like free speech, academic freedom, and the role of universities in political matters. Here’s why people are talking about it:

• The Arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad: The professor’s detention over his social media post has raised questions about whether universities should protect faculty members’ right to express political views or hold them accountable for controversial statements.
• Mixed Reactions:
• Some people, like X user @AKLKO1977, support Bikhchandani, appreciating his clear stance andiksel: “I agree with him. Universities are for learning, not protests.”
• Others, like @adeshcjain, criticize him, saying he’s avoiding moral responsibility to protect his business interests: “He’s just protecting his image as a billionaire.”
• Media Coverage: News outlets like @CNNnews18 and @Xpress_edex have reported on the issue, highlighting the debate over whether universities should be neutral or allow activism.
• Ashoka University’s Reputation: As a prominent institution, Ashoka’s controversies often attract attention, and Bikhchandani’s role as a founder makes his comments significant.

Why It Matters

This controversy has put Bikhchandani in the spotlight because:

• He’s a well-known figure in India’s business and education sectors, making his opinions influential.
• The debate over activism vs. academics is a hot topic, especially in the context of free speech and political expression in educational institutions.
• His mention of possibly resigning has raised questions about the future of Ashoka University’s leadership.

Where to Follow Updates

For the latest developments, check:

• Official websites: Ashoka University’s website or jacresults.com for related educational news.
• X accounts: Follow @CNNnews18, @Xpress_edex, or @News9Tweets for real-time updates.
• News portals: Websites like indianexpress.com or thehindu.com for detailed reports.

Note: The situation is evolving, and public sentiment on X is mixed. Bikhchandani’s comments have sparked both support and criticism, and further statements from Ashoka University or Bikhchandani could clarify the issue. Keep an eye on credible sources for updates!